The term deadline can strike dead, even fear, in a person’s soul. Everyone faces deadlines, even several times a day. Question: Do you meet deadlines with anticipation – like meeting a friend for lunch? Or, do you cut corners, run without looking, and do less than mediocre in order to meet the deadline? Ask yourself, “Am I motivated by anticipation or do I procrastinate with disaster? Do you remember the children’s story “The Poky Little Puppy”? My adult version of that story is called “The Procrastinating Little author.”
There were five little authors who went to a writers’ conference – through the traffic and to the airport they traveled. When they got inside the big, big room, they counted themselves; one, two, three, four. One little author was not there. Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered. While the four little authors met other writers and started a network, the procrastinating little author strolled by store windows gazing at all the lovely merchandise.
The four little authors returned to their hotel so happy. It was like eating rice pudding for dessert.
By the time the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, everyone had gone.
The next day, the five little authors went to the conference. When they got inside, they counted themselves; one, two, three, four. One little author was not there. Where in the world is the procrastinating little author, they wondered. While the four little authors with their manuscripts in hand met agents and publishers, the procrastinating little author stared at a beautiful bracelet. When I get my book published, I will buy that bracelet, she thought.
The four little authors returned to their hotel very pleased. It was like eating chocolate custard for desert.
By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, the lights were turned off.
The next day, the five little authors went to the conference When they got inside, they counted themselves; one, two, three, four. One little author was not there. Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered. While the four authors signed contracts, the procrastinating little author looked for an outfit to wear with the bracelet she would buy.
The four little authors returned to their hotel delighted. It was like eating strawberry shortcake for dessert.
By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, the door was locked, and she had to return to the hotel with nothing in her hand. End of story.
However, deadlines are necessary or we would have chaos at every turn. For some though, deadlines can be their worst enemy. For others who look at deadlines like a best friend to keep them on track, smile with anticipation.
The reward of meeting a deadline is better than rice pudding, greater than chocolate custard and surpasses strawberry shortcake. It is feeling the satisfaction of getting a job done well. So next time you think, “I’ll do it later,” remember the procrastinating little author. This can be applied to our spiritual lives as well. For God says,
“At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you. Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2